Gov’t names 8th Corps chief to lead Army’s 2nd Operational Command

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- The government on Monday tapped Lt. Gen. Hwang In-gwon, the commander of the Eighth Corps to lead the Army's Second Operational Command, Seoul's defense ministry said.

Following Cabinet approval slated for Tuesday, President Moon Jae-in will promote Hwang to four-star rank and officially appoint him to lead the command in charge of defending the country's central and southern rear areas.

If appointed, Hwang will succeed Gen. Park Han-ki, who has been named the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

"He is fit for the post of the commander that needs to comprehensively consider various operational and civil factors (in the unit's operations), as he has experience in various field units, operational and educational areas."

Upon graduation from the Korea Army Academy (KAA) in 1983, Hwang was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Since then, he has served in various preeminent posts, including at the 51st Division.

Hwang's nomination underscores the rise of military leaders with no ties to the Army's elite school, the Korea Military Academy (KMA). Previously, KMA graduates occupied a majority of top commanding posts, including the JCS chief.